General Manager

Job description

General Manager (UK Launch | Dark Kitchen → First Store)

Location: Kentish Town (Camden, London)

Brand Origin: USA

Sector: Fast Casual / QSR

About the brand

CORElevate are working with a well-established US fast-casual brand founded in 2006, known for its bold, Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu and health-forward approach to flavour. Built around fresh, house-made proteins, rice, crisp vegetables and flavour-led sauces, the concept allows guests to customise bowls, salads and pitas that are both satisfying and nutritious.

Now entering the UK market, launching initially through a dark kitchen model, with a clear and exciting roadmap to opening 2 more dark kitchens also its first central / flagship store this year. This role is a rare opportunity to be part of a brand’s UK journey from day one.

The Role

As General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in launching and shaping the brand in the UK. You’ll take full ownership of the operation in its early dark kitchen phase, setting standards, building the team and embedding the culture before transitioning into leading the first physical restaurant opening.

This is a true build-and-lead role, ideal for a hands-on QSR General Manager who thrives in fast-paced, growth-focused environments and wants to leave a lasting footprint on a new brand.

Key Responsibilities

People & Culture

• Recruit, train and develop a high-performing team from the ground up
• Create a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture
• Develop future leaders as the brand scales in the UK

Operations & Delivery

• Lead day-to-day dark kitchen operations with a strong floor presence
• Ensure speed, accuracy, food quality and consistency across delivery platforms
• Prepare the operation for transition into a customer-facing store environment

Guest Experience

• Deliver outstanding guest experiences across digital, delivery and future dine-in channels
• Set the tone for hospitality, brand standards and service excellence

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with UK food safety, hygiene and H&S standards
• Ensure all processes meet local authority and regulatory requirements

Commercial Performance

• Full ownership of site P&L, labour control and food costs
• Drive sales, efficiency and profitability while maintaining quality
• Support local marketing and brand launch initiatives

Growth & Expansion

• Play a key role in opening the first UK store
• Support future site launches as the brand expands

About You

• 3–5+ years’ experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years as a General Manager
• Strong QSR or fast-casual background (delivery-led experience a big plus)
• Comfortable operating in a dark kitchen / high-volume environment
• A hands-on leader who leads from the front
• Commercially aware, organised and detail-driven
• Passionate about food, hospitality and building something from scratch
• Calm under pressure and excited by change, growth and challenge

Why Join?

• Be part of an established US brand entering the UK market
• Rare opportunity to launch a concept, not just run one
• Clear progression from dark kitchen to flagship store leadership
• High visibility role with long-term growth potential

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Profession type

Management

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English